Chinese Medicine believes Late Summer belongs to Earth elements. This is when Earth's luscious fruits and vegetables are bursting for harvest. Make sure you get proper rest, exercise, stress reduction and nutrition to boost your energy in this Earth time.

Yoga for the Seasons:

Yoga poses can be used to target Kidney, Spleen and Lung areas to release, tonify and regulate these energy centers. Over-exertion can deplete energy and fatigue muscles, while Yoga can help regulate, nourish and replenish energy. Poor circulation can lead to fatigue, and Yoga can increase the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, helping cells produce energy. The calming and regulating effects of Restorative Yoga can facilitate healing and provide a deep sense of rest to the body.

In Chinese anatomy, Earth is represented by the organs of Stomach, Spleen, Kidney and Lungs. They build and maintain the entire body: Stomach is where food is prepared for absorption, and Spleen helps absorb nutrients, feeding muscle and blood. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of energy through the body. Kidneys are the foundation of all energy in the body and are the source and storehouse of Chi (energy). Lungs transform the air we breathe into energy and circulates it through the body.

When Earth elements are imbalanced, we worry or have excessive mental agitation, lack of concentration or memory loss. We feel needy for food or attention, seeking sympathy or distraction. An imbalance in Earth can manifest in exhaustion, loss of appetite, poor digestion or loose stools and diarrhea, easy bruising, excess menstrual flow or other bleeding disorders.

Taking care of Earth elements reaps an inner harvest : energy to complete projects and fulfill needs, contentment and love of Life. With healthy Earth elements, you feel at home in all situations, enjoying your efforts and have the space to love, relax, and nourish self, family and friends. During harvest we store foods to nourish through the winter ahead, and it is time to harvest and reflect.

Eating for Late Summer:

Orange and Yellow are the colors connected with Late Summer, following the fiery reds of Summer and preceding the white/off-whites of Autumn’s healing foods. Don’t combine too many ingredients and keep your flavors moderate.

This season is associated with sweetness, to balance the bitterness of Summer and before Autumn’s pungent quality. Sweets and processed/refined foods can aggravates the pancreas and spleen, irritate the stomach, and create excessive acid and “dampness”, resulting in feeling more anxious, tired and unwell. Resist icy sweet drinks, as the cold and sweetness put stress on the digestive system and Earth organs.

Eat fresh, nourishing foods. Fresh, local foods and don’t combine too many ingredients . Be moderate with sugar, fried foods, and dairy. In hot, humid weather, avoid overeating. Lightly cooked food on moderate temperature is easier on digestive system. Eat sour or pungent flavors to help disperse dampness and regulate digestion. Get exercise as dampness tends to settle in and make you feel lethargic.

When Earth is off balance, internal cycles may suffer – Earth energy can be over stimulated with hot spices and caffeine. Earth thrives on routine rhythms, which settles the nervous system, stabilizes blood sugars and lowers blood pressure. Balancing work, socializing and self care is essential for healthy body, mind and spirit.